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2026 Best Value Physical Science Schools in the Southeast Region

3 Colleges in the United States
$17,544 Avg Student Debt
$49,968 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Physical Science Badge [Physical Science](/majors/physical-sciences/general-physical-sciences/physical-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong physical science education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 23 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value physical science schools.

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2026 Best Value Physical Science Schools in the Southeast Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physical science, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Physical Science Schools

1

For return on investment in physical science, no school beat Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College this year. Set in the rural area of Perkinston, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, while out-of-state students pay about $7,850. Students borrow a median of $11,653 to complete the physical science program here. Physical Science graduates of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College earn a median of $34,214 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Richard Bland College Of The College Of William And Mary earned it the #2 place for physical science. Richard Bland College Of The College Of William And Mary is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of South Prince George. Students from in state pay about $9,090 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,970 for out-of-state students. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Physical Science graduates of Richard Bland College Of The College Of William And Mary earn a median of $20,219 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

3

A rank of #3 makes University Of Arkansas At Little Rock one of the best values for physical science. Located in the city of Little Rock, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,911, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $27,093 in student loans. Physical Science graduates of University Of Arkansas At Little Rock earn a median of $47,170 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,093 median debt. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock admits about 59% of applicants.

4
Emory University crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Emory University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical science, landing the #4 spot this year. Emory University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Atlanta. In-state tuition and fees average $64,280. Students borrow a median of $19,431 to complete the physical science program here. Physical Science graduates of Emory University earn a median of $67,840 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Emory University admits about 11% of applicants.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 23 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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